APPLES 
good eaith in which the roots may grow 
the first year. On the other hand if the 
soil 18s very heavy and hard the same 
treatment is recommended But, on the 
whole, if the soil is not Suited to trees 
better not plant any. Orchardists very 
frequently inquire as to the advisability 
of putting manure in the bottom of the 
hole. This practice is not advisable. If 
manure is to be used on the young trees 
it had better be used as a surface mulch. 
FABIAN GARCIA, 
Santa Fe, N. M 
TIME OF PLANTING 
Much difference of opinion exists be- 
tween the best authorities as to the sea- 
son for planting apple trees. Late fall 
planting is advocated by some, while 
others are equally certain that early 
spring planting is better. The chief rea- 
sons advanced by the former are that 
roots of trees set in the fall become thor- 
oughly established in the soil, and that 
all cut surfaces on the roots become cal- 
loused during the winter, which results 
in new roots pushing out early in the 
spring. On the other hand, dry falls and 
dry winters will prove fatal to many fall- 
set trees, and the stand will therefore 
be imperfect. Since Idaho very often ex- 
periences these latter conditions, early 
spring planting may be regarded as the 
safer rule. Moreover, if trees are “heeled 
in” in the fall the roots will be thor- 
oughly calloused by early spring, thus 
affording such trees one of the main ben- 
efits derived from fall planting. Un- 
doubtedly spring planting should be the 
rule for Idaho orchardists. 
J. R. SHINN, 
Moscow, Idaho. 
Time of Planting in New England 
In this part of the country spring plant- 
ing is usually preferred. The chief, and 
probably the only advantage, in fall plant- 
ing is in getting the work out of the way. 
Trees for planting should not be taken 
from the nursery row till the leaves have 
fallen, and this is usually so late that 
the weather is not suitable for planting. 
If the soil should be dry, as is often the 
case in the fall, the trees are likely to 
dry out and be injured during the winter. 
165 
As previously noted, it 1s advisable to 
purchase trees in the fall so as to get a 
better assortment and to have them ready 
for planting in the spring as soon as the 
weather is favorable. If this suggestion 
is followed and if soil and weather con- 
ditions are favorable in the fall after the 
stock arrives, the trees may he safely and 
profitably planted. If left till spring the 
planting should be done as soon as the 
ground can be conveniently worked. 
Cc. D. JaRvis, 
Storrs, Conn. 
Southern Conditions 
The question as to the best time to 
plant is governed somewhat by latitudes. 
In southern latitudes late fall or the early 
part of the winter may be safe for plant- 
ing. But in most of the states early 
spring is considered the better time. Fall 
planting has the objection against it that 
the roots of a tree do not take hold of 
the ground sufficiently to supply enough 
moisture to maintain a healthy active 
circulation of the sap which is required 
to prevent shriveling of the branches 
during winter’s extreme cold and exhaus- 
tive evaporation from drying winds. 
G. B. BBAcKETT, 
Washington, D. C. 
Southwest 
The time of setting out trees varies. 
There are many different opinions on the 
subject, some claiming the fall is the best 
time while others favor the spring. It is 
to be remembered that a tree can be 
planted at any time during its dormant 
period. It may be set out in the fall, 
winter or spring. F'all planted trees some- 
times do as well as winter or spring 
planted trees. It is a difficult thing to 
recommend any set rule for the time of 
planting trees. Each time has its ad- 
vantages and disadvantages. As a rule 
the local conditions decide which is the 
best time for planting. One of the reasons 
why fall and winter planting is not prac- 
ticed more than it is in cold and dry 
climates is on account of the loss of mois- 
ture from the tree during this time. The 
roots being cut off and not having started 
to grow do not supply the tree with any 
moisture during the fall and winter. As 
a rule the roots will not begin to grow 
